Commander, Marine Corps System Command, Code CTQ, 2033 Barnett Avenue, Ste 315, Quantico, VA 22134-5010

78 -- LIFE VESTS SOL M67854-98-R-2129 DUE 070598 POC Peggy Smith, 703-784-5822 x252, FAX 703-784-5826 The Marine Corps Systems Command intends to negotiate a sole source, commercial item contract with Stearns Manufacturing Company of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The contractor will be required to provide 2,419 Stearns Type I life vests (p/n 6000 Merchant Mate) with the following specifications: Offshore life jacket, foam-filled collar for additional head support, hinged back panel, encircling body belt, heavy duty 210 Denier nylon shell and lining, 62 square inch (400 square centimeters) of SOLAS-grade reflective panels and two chest adjusters for improving flotation angle. The vest must also have: at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, be adjustable to accommodate all body sizes, have straps with fasteners that will remain fastened during rough water conditions, allow wearers access to magazines, canteen, butt-packs and first aid kits, and be able to turn most wearers face-up, even if they are unconscious. Because this vest will be used by the Marine Corps during all open water transits in small boats, it must alsomeet all other requirements for a Type I life vest, as prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard in the 33d code of Federal Regulations, sub-chapter S. An extensive market research has previously been performed by U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center and a determination was made that the Stearns Type I life vest, p/n 6000 Merchant Mate, was the best value to the Government, in addition to meeting the requirements as prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard in the 33d code of Federal Regualtions, sub-chapter S. This determination was made due to results of detailed testing performed on various model life vests. The life vests are considered commercial type items, therefore it is anticipated that simplified acquisition procedures will be utilized. No RFP is available for competitive bidding; however, interested parties may submit a statement of capability for satisfying this requirement, to include descriptive literature and pricing within 15 days of this announcement to the contact person listed above. This announcement is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all proposals received by the date identified above will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. (0169)

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